About

David Hitchen was born and educated in Wigan, North West England, where he was a member of the Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra (WYJO). He was very fortunate to perform with many famous artists during his time with WYJO, including Bobby Shew, Maynard Ferguson, Kenny Baker, Don Lusher and Don Rader. During this time, David became a lifelong friend and student of Bobby Shew and went on to perform many concerts with him spanning 35 years.
David progressed quickly and joined the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO), and attended City Leeds College of Music, graduating in 1993 with a Degree in Jazz, Contemporary and Popular Music. He was also presented with the E. Tolsen award for Outstanding Performance on a Brass Instrument.
Upon the completion of his Music Degree, and tenure with NYJO, David was immediately offered a 3 month rolling contract in Monte Carlo. He subsequently spent the next 2 years performing every evening in the orchestras of the famous French Riviera principality of Monaco. These venues included: Le Cabaret, Loews Hotel, and The Sporting Club, performing with many artists including Shirley Bassey, and Barry White.
After 2 years in Monte Carlo, David was on the move again, this time as Lead Trumpet and Musical Director with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Here, he performed with many Las Vegas entertainers including: Ben Verine, Clint Holmes, Charo, The Platters, Peter Noone, Billy Fellows, Tony Tillman, Hal Frazier. It was here that he met his Dutch wife, Danielle.
They both left the exciting life of Cruise Ships behind in 2001 to settle down in David’s hometown of Wigan, and for the next few years, David performed with many of the UK’s top Orchestras and Big Bands including: The Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Ray McVays Glenn Miller Orchestra, Andy Prior’s Big Band, Empress Orchestra, The Wigan Jazz Club Big Band, The All Star Wigan International Jazz Festival Big Band, performing with Phil Woods, James Morrison, Bobby Shew, Pete King and many others.
David and his wife, Danielle, decided to move to the sunnier climate of Montpellier, South of France where they both live, along with their Golden Retriever, Isla. Danielle runs a successful recruitment company, and David has realized his ambition of being a solo jazz artist. He runs his own Big Band which has performed at various Jazz Clubs and Festivals in France including: Pertuis Big Band Festival, Villes sur Auzon Jazz Festival, Montpellier Jazz Club, and recently his Big Band performed a wonderful theatre concert with Bobby Shew which can be viewed right here on this website.
David also tours with the Glenn Miller Memorial Orchestra in Europe, and plays many Jazz Performances, including a tribute to Dizzy Gillespie at the Nimes Metropole Jazz Festival with his Jazz Trio, The Paradiso Big Band of Nice, Cote D’Azur, and the BBC Big Band at Pertuis Big Band Festival. When David isn’t performing, he is busy composing, and arranging music. David finds calm away from his musical endeavors with his keen interest of running, swimming and hiking.
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